Although many dog owners overlook the oral hygiene of their furry pets, it is as essential for dogs as it is for humans. Unfortunately, dogs’ poor dental hygiene may cause some severe, even life-threatening conditions like liver, kidney, and heart damage. On the other hand, if you practice proper oral hygiene for your furry friend, they will live a healthier, longer, and happier life. Luckily, cleaning dogs’ teeth is a simple practice that every busy dog owner can incorporate into their weekly routine.
Here are several easy ways to maintain your dog’s oral hygiene to save time and prevent your dog’s teeth from decaying and many other serious diseases.
Pick a delicious toothpaste
When it comes to sound oral health, brushing teeth is crucial for both humans and dogs. Therefore, it is ideal to brush your furry friend’s teeth once a day. However, if you don’t have enough time, do that at least once a week. Although it will be sufficient, it is better to brush your dogs’ teeth as often as possible. Maybe they won’t like it at first, but as time goes by, they will get used to it and even appreciate that procedure. Remember, you will need toothpaste specially designed for dogs because human toothpaste contains toxic ingredients that may harm dogs’ health severely. Dog toothpaste has various attractive flavours, such as chicken, beef, or peanut butter.
Opt for a proper toothbrush
On the other hand, dog toothbrushes are specifically-designed with soft bristles, angled handles, and even multiple heads that make it easier to reach all the crevices and tiny nooks in your dog’s mouth. Try several combinations of toothbrushes and toothpaste before you opt for those that best suit your pet.
Use tooth wipes
A great solution is dental dog wipes for people who don’t have enough time to brush their furry best friend’s teeth. These kinds of wipes are made to rub against the dog’s teeth to remove plaque. Although they act similarly to toothbrushes, they can’t get into the crannies and little nooks of a dog’s mouth like a toothbrush. Nevertheless, they are often easier to manage than a toothbrush with toothpaste and represent an excellent way to clean your dog’s teeth.
Choose proper dental treats
Dental treats for dogs are also an excellent way to enhance your pet’s dental hygiene and health. They are made especially for removing plaque buildup and contain ingredients that clean your pet’s mouth and refresh their breath. Dogs generally like these kinds of treats more than tooth wipes or toothbrushes. Besides that, they keep the dog’s mouth clean, and dogs’ dental treats come in various sizes, shapes, and flavours. Therefore, finding the proper ones for your furry friend won’t be challenging.
Consider dental sprays
The ideal solution is dog dental spray if your dog has stinky breath. In addition, it’s an easy and quick way to take care of your furry friend’s teeth because you can use it alone or in between brushings. These sprays eliminate bacteria that cause plaque, and your dog’s breath will smell fresh. Besides, dental sprays can also prevent and remove plaque and tartar buildup, in addition to the odour-eliminating effect. Most of the sprays are simple to use: they just include spraying a dog’s gums and teeth. However, some dogs probably won’t stay calm during an oral cleaning. Therefore, you can also effortlessly apply the dental spray to a dog toy, and your pet will quickly have fresh breath. That procedure works best when dogs don’t consume food for half an hour before and after spraying.
Feed your dog properly
You know that dry food is better than soft food for your pet’s dental health. Crunchy food scrapes tartar from your dog’s teeth as they eat it. On the other hand, it is more likely that soft food will stick to their teeth and cause faster plaque buildup. Besides, specialized dental kibbles enable better teeth cleaning while the dog eats. Some dogs need a particular dental diet for optimal oral health, so talk with your vet dentist about that.
Professional dental cleaning
Even though it can be expensive, professional dental cleaning is the best way to maintain your pet’s oral health. Your vet knows what’s best for your dog and will solve any problems they find. In addition, your veterinarian has a lot of experience in locating, treating, and preventing all issues that may be unnoticed even by the most careful dog owner.
Although we’ve mentioned some easy ways to keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy, we also highly recommend regularly visiting your vet for professional maintenance of your dog’s oral hygiene. We hope that our suggestions will be helpful for you and your pet.
